Massimo Cellino calls for Leeds' Premier League expectations to be cooled

After being condemned to an eye-opening defeat at Middlesbrough last weekend, Leeds United President Massimo Cellino has moved to relieve the pressure of promotion off the club during a discussion with BBC Radio Leeds.

The Italian invested in the playing squad fairly significantly over the summer, and continues to do so, but he has now insisted that promotion talk has to be curtailed for the good of the club.

Speaking in an interview with BBC Radio Leeds, the 59-year-old outlined his thoughts on the mentality he feels should be employed at Leeds United, regardless of how promising or bleak their situation grows.

"The last thing that we need is pressure and to talk about the Premier (League)," Cellino said. "The Premier (League), if he has to come, comes because we're doing a good job; we're doing the right thing.

"I don't know how long it will take. One month, one week, ten years... I don't know. But we have to work in that way."

The Whites are currently 15th in the Championship, and have won just two of their opening nine league games in the new campaign; five draws and two defeats make up the rest of their haul.

Up next for Uwe Rosler's team is the visit of high-flying Birmingham City at the weekend, where a victory for his side would not only get them back in the winning column, but move them to within touching distance of the play-offs.

If Leeds are to be victorious, however, they will have to overcome somewhat of a hoodoo on home soil. Rosler is still yet to record a competitive victory at Elland Road since taking over at the club.